Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has told residents to "get used to" the state's controversial new driver's license design, pushing back against nearly 6,000 people who signed a petition demanding a redesign. Blangiardi stated at a press conference that officials would not abandon the first major overhaul of the cards in 17 years.
"Whatever those people were that didn’t like it, that’s just the way it is," Blangiardi said. "We’re not backing off. This is the card. Get used to it. Fall in love with it. Take it home. Look at it. Stare at it. Learn to like it."
These remarks were captured by Hawaii News Now but omitted from an official YouTube video of the press conference released by Blangiardi's office. The reason for the omission was not immediately clear.
The backlash stems from a petition launched by radio hosts Steezy and Puunui, which argues that the new design fails to reflect Hawaii's "rich beauty, culture, or identity." The petition called for public feedback and the involvement of local artists and cultural practitioners.
The redesigned licenses and state identification cards feature a black-and-white photograph, a muted rainbow, and an outline of the Hawaiian islands. The reverse side displays breaking waves and the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. Critics have described the new look as "ugly" and noted the faded appearance of the rainbow.
Officials, however, maintain that the design prioritizes security over aesthetics. The new cards incorporate over 50 safeguards against forgery, identity theft, and tampering, according to Honolulu's Department of Customer Services. Constructed entirely from polycarbonate, the cards are designed for durability, with personal information and photographs engraved rather than printed on the surface.
Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro highlighted the security enhancements, stating they make the cards "almost impossible to alter or duplicate." Additional features include raised text, microtext, anti-counterfeit patterns, a translucent window, and elements visible only under specialized lighting. The holographic elements are also compatible with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ID verification systems, addressing past issues with card readability at airport checkpoints.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda demonstrated the need for a more robust card by showing his own deteriorating license, which he noted was already peeling and susceptible to being copied.
The new cards have begun circulating, but current licenses remain valid until their expiration dates. Residents can opt for a duplicate card online for $7 if their personal information has not changed. Mayor Blangiardi's comments indicate no further revisions to the design are planned.